The answers will surprise you.
Start writing a post
Student Life

I Asked 11 College Freshmen What They Wish Their Parents Understood About Them

Not everything is easily communicated between children and their parents. Sometimes, there are things college students are too afraid to say...

447
I Asked 11 College Freshmen What They Wish Their Parents Understood About Them

College is not an easy transition - trust me. Just within the first few weeks of classes, you learn a lot about yourself and how you react in certain situations. You come to realize that the only person who truly knows you is you, and honestly, that sucks. Your parents, who know you quite well, don't fully understand how you feel... and how could they? You're emotional, overwhelmed, stressed out, scared, unsure of yourself, and perhaps a bit homesick. The smallest of things have the ability to affect your mood and cause a downward spiral, and you just wish they (or anyone) could understand.

Just know, you're not alone.

I asked 11 college kids what they wished their parents understood about them, their college experience, or their personality in general. These were their responses:

1. "I wish my parents knew how much work I had to put forth in order to get to this point and continue on in higher education. They've never really seemed proud of me, and often compare me to my siblings." 

- Male, 18

2. "I wish my parents understood that not all kids are obsessed with taking pictures or posting on Instagram. My mom always asks (when I go out with friends) if I posted it on my Instagram! Ha, isn't that weird? I wish they realized that people are on their phones for other reasons than mindlessly looking at other peoples' posts." 

- Female, 18

3. "I wish my parents knew how fast I could chug a beer. They would have a whole new level of respect for me!" 

- Female, 18

4. "I wish my mom knew that I'm capable of being independent, and I appreciate her help, but I don't need it." 

- Female, 19

5. "How hard it is to be without them. I took a lot of things for granted that they did for me in high school."

- Male, 18

6. "My parents are so supportive, but I wish they would stop comparing me to other kids my age in an attempt to make me feel better. I put enough pressure on myself, and it hurts knowing that I'm disappointing you too." 

- Female, 18

7. I wish they'd stop treating me like a child. 'Did you finish your homework?', 'When did you get home last night?', or 'Have you eaten yet?'. Just stop!" 

- Male, 19

8. I wish they knew that things actually cost a lot of money nowadays. It's not the 80s anymore mom, this textbook really is 97$." 

- Female, 19

9. "I wish they'd stop pressuring me to get a job! I barely have time to do my schoolwork, let alone work the entire weekend."

- Female, 18

10. "Yes, the freshman 15 is real. And yes, I'll need you to buy those jeans in a size large this time." 

- Male, 18

11. "Regardless of what I sometimes say or do, I always appreciate when you call and check up on me. Though I'd never tell you in person, you mean the world to me." 

- Female, 18

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

42221
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

26518
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

951661
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

138015
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments